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Quantification of pleural effusions: sonography versus radiography
K L Eibenberger1, W I Dock, M E Ammann
1Department of Radiology, University of Vienna, Austria.
Radiology
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Sonography offers a more accurate method for estimating pleural effusion volume compared to radiography. This ultrasound technique provides a practical and precise approach for quantifying fluid in the pleural space.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pulmonology
- Diagnostic Ultrasound
Background:
- Pleural effusions require accurate volume estimation for effective management.
- Traditional methods like radiography have limitations in precisely quantifying effusion volumes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a practical sonographic method for estimating pleural effusion volume.
- To compare the accuracy of sonography versus radiography in effusion volume quantification.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-one patients with pleural effusions underwent supine sonography.
- Sonographic and lateral decubitus radiography measurements of pleural fluid thickness were taken.
- Actual effusion volumes were determined by complete drainage and compared with imaging measurements.
Main Results:
- Sonographic measurements showed a statistically significant better correlation with actual effusion volume (r = .80) than radiographic measurements (r = .58).
- Prediction error was significantly lower with sonography (mean 224 mL) compared to radiography (mean 465 mL).
- Specific volume estimates were provided for effusion widths of 20 mm (380 mL) and 40 mm (1000 mL).
Conclusions:
- The presented sonographic method is a preferable and more accurate tool for quantifying pleural effusions.
- Sonography offers improved precision in estimating pleural effusion volumes over radiographic techniques.